Organ opening at New York Belle Vue Primitive Methodist chapel

There’s an anonymous account in the Primitive Methodist magazine of the installation of a new organ in  the newly built New York Belle Vue Primitive Methodist chapel.

“New York, Pateley Bridge Circuit.—Re-opening of Bellevue Chapel.—The above place of worship, built by R. Pullin, Esq., was opened for Divine service about a year ago, under auspicious circum stances. From that time to the present the regular congregations have been remarkably good, and, ai a tangible proof, all the pews in the chapel are lot hut one, and that is not designed to be let, on account of being the ” Stranger’s pew,” i.e., it is appropriated to occasional ‘droppers in.”

When the sanctuary was opened, the organ which was in the former place of worship was brought into the new one, but as time rolled on, it was determined that a new organ should be procured. Consequently, arrangements were entered into with the eminent organ builders, Messrs. William Booth and Son, of Leeds, who have built an excellent instrument, being second to none in the neighbourhood. Its external design harmonises well with the interior arrangements of the place, and judging, as we best can, from the powerful effects which were produced on a late occasion, we doubt not but that the end sought in its purchase will be attained, and this important part of Divine worship, congregational singing, will be assisted and improved.

During the last few weeks, Bellevue chapel has been closed, and several little alterations and improvements have been made. Mr. William Bennet, of Otley, has had the work of painting the whole of the sacred edifice. The pews, pulpit, and free sittings, &c, are grained oak, and the pew tops, book boards, communion, and organ, mahogany. In the centre of the chapel are placed two chandeliers, which, along with the pulpit ones, harmonize with the gilded pipes of the organ. In fact nothing, whatever, seems to be lacking to make the place neat in appearance and comfortable for its worshippers.

Sunday, August 19th, I860, was the day appointed for the opening of the organ, as well as an anniversary, to celebrate the opening of the chapel a year ago, for Divine worship. Considering the three-fold objects, we need not at all wonder that there should be such excitement as was produced in the neighbourhood, not only on the Sabbath, but also for weeks previous. Not withstanding the many fears which had been entertained as regarded the unfavourableness of the weather, when the Sabbath was ushered in, it was a ” smiling morn.” Many wended their way to Bellevue, where, during the day, throe sermons appropriate to the occasion were preached—those in the morning and evening by the Rev. John Parnaby, from Airedale College, and one in the afternoon by the Rev. W. Jackson, from Pateley Bridge. Miss Ellen Wood, of Smelthouse, presided at the organ. The collections at the close of the day towards the organ fund amounted to the sum of £62, which we are glad to say, with what was previously received, leaves the organ without debt. We understand that in a few days the chapel will be duly licensed for the solemnization of marriages.”

You can read about the chapel opening on this link

Reference

Primitive Methodist magazine October 1860 page 619